Is Faith Blind?

Who are the main players?

Luke:

He is not named in the Gospel

The author is the same as the author of Acts (very well accepted)

The author of Acts was the companion of Paul

This companion of Paul was, most likely, Luke

He is a Gentile believer (who wrote Scripture)

All the People in the Bible: An A–Z Guide to the Saints, Scoundrels, and Other Characters in Scripture Luke

He was a Gentile, a physician, and a close friend of Paul (Col. 4:10ff.), a fellow worker with Paul (Phlm. 24), and a companion of Paul’s in prison, probably in Rome (2 Tim. 4:11). Greek was obviously his native tongue, as his language is flawless Koine,

Theophilus:

Nothing is known about this person.

His name means “Lover (philos) of God (theo)”.

He would be a Gentile too.

He is

He is an official of some sort.

Sources Available to Luke

Many people make accounts (vs. 1)

The facts were handed down by eyewitnesses and servants (vs. 2)

Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels 1.4.4. L Material

This unique L material is represented in about 455 verses of Luke, comprising just over forty percent of the entire Gospel. Clearly there is much in Luke that is not found in the other Synoptics. This material not only contains a unique portrait of Jesus’ infancy but also many fresh sayings and parables of Jesus.

Old Testament (1:31, 32, 72; 2:23, etc.)

Old Testament (1:31, 32, 72; 2:23, etc.)

Old Testament (1:31, 32, 72; 2:23, etc.)

Luke’s personal investigation into the matter (likely using the previously mentioned sources)

Gospel of Mark

Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels 1.4.2. Markan Material

A little over 410 verses of Luke, just short of forty percent of the whole of Luke’s Gospel, corresponds to Mark. Significantly, the Markan material tends to come in blocks, especially in sections which describe Jesus’ ministry. This is one of the reasons Mark is seen as a fundamental source.

Basis for Theophilus to Believe

Basis for Theophilus to Believe

Luke’s research (investigation) (vs. 3)

The quality (logical) presentation (vs. 3)

Theological consistency with Old Testament (used throughout Gospel)

Gospel of John

Who are the main players?

John’s audience is broad. His evangelistic appeal is broad thus indicating the same salvific message and process is the same for all.